The Spanish Navy and the Ministry of Science, Innovation and Universities sign an agreement for the support and exploitation of the oceanographic research ship ‘Hespérides’.

A collaboration agreement has been signed at the Spanish Navy’s Headquarters between the Ministries of Defense and of Science, Innovation and Universities to establish a protocol for the use, support, management and exploitation of the oceanographic research ship ‘Hespérides’ in the field of scientific research, carried out mainly within the framework of the projects approved by the State Plan for R&D and by the Framework Program of the European Union (EU).

The agreement was signed by Admiral General Teodoro López Calderón, Chief of Staff of the Spanish Navy and Mr. Rafael Rodrigo Montero, General Secretary for the Coordination of Scientific Policy of the Ministry of Science, Innovation and Universities.

This four-year agreement may be extended by mutual consent of the Ministries for a period of up to four additional years.

Oceanographic vessels are indispensable technical platforms to conduct advanced scientific and international multidisciplinary projects in the field of marine research. Vessels of oceanic and polar capability require extremely complex management and close coordination to ensure maximum performance and adequate availability for the scientific community.

Likewise, a favorable regulatory framework is established for the promotion of scientific and technical research in order to contribute to the generation, dissemination and transfer of expertise and know-how to solve the essential environmental problems of society. The fundamental object of these scientific activities is the promotion of research, experimental development and innovation as elements on which sustainable economic development and social welfare must be established.